Friday 12 April 2013

Scenes of Swaledale


After suffering for over a month from a bad case of bronchitis, two courses of antibiotics later I'm beginning to feel like blogging again.


Despite the infection we did enjoy our trip to the Yorkshire Dales.



The scenery is stunning, the people are friendly, the houses are so characterful, it's all very much like something out of a novel by the Bronte sisters.


We stayed in the tiny hamlet of Healaugh just 5 minutes from Reeth the heart of the two dales, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.


Our cottage is on the left in the above photo.


 The tiny front door leads straight into a cosy kitchen.


The views across the dale from the two large front windows were breathtaking.
Can you imagine lying in bed savouring the first cuppa of the day and gazing out of that upstairs bedroom window?
I don't think I'll ever forget watching the snow falling and covering the fells on the opposite bank of the River Swale.




The Hudson House Community Centre in Reeth is housed in a building which dates back to Victorian times. Prior to becoming the hub of the village it was once a branch of Barclays Bank.


In 2002 a group of local volunteers joined together to restore the derelict walled garden behind the property into a productive orchard, a quiet and peaceful place for the Swaledale community to enjoy.


Even in March the garden was looking lovely, a hidden gem.


The old privy (there was no indoor plumbing apparently when the house was first built!) now houses a small exhibition of local artifacts.



Wherever we went I saw quirky things to photograph and couldn't resist taking a shot of these twin doors of a neighboring cottage.


bon weekend tout le monde..................................

13 comments:

  1. It's such a beautiful part of England, and one I long to visit again. I've not seen it in winter - but I think I'll stick to summer!
    I'm glad you're feeling better - I'm on my second course of antibiotics, following in your footsteps!

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  2. Maggie, glad you are beginning to feel better. What ever this bug is that has been around for months is a stubborn one. Can't tell you the # of friends who have been dealing with something like this. M finally is free of his cough.
    Your images are breathtaking. Such charm in that area as in the area where you live now. I could happily wake to such a scene each morning.
    Sending hugs..........Sarah

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  3. It looks so peaceful and charming! Love your travel pics and looking forward to seeing more!

    Your newest follower:-)
    Terri

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  4. Thank you for these charming photos. It's an invitation to go there.
    Magdalena

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  5. Glad you are feeling better. What a lovely part of the world. I've wanted to go ever since I read James Herriot's books.

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  6. Lovely photos and lovely part of England. So glad you are back...you were missed. I'm especially glad you are feeling better.
    Farm Gal in VA, USA

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  7. I would love to visit this part of England, I have a very dear friend from Durham who came out to New Zealand in her early twenties.
    The countryside looks so typically English, rolling hillsides with wonderful old buildings. Love the house where you stayed.
    On our last visit to the UK, we drove as far north as Guisborough taking in Whitby, Scarborough and beautiful York.
    Wishing you a speedy recovery Maggie – it’s no fun feeling under the weather when travelling. Each year I travel to France to see my daughter and family and somehow I always manage to pick up a flu bug on the aircraft!
    hugs
    Shane ♥

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  8. Beautiful, even some of the quirkiness! And a bit romantic, too. I'd love to visit. I'm sure it was the perfect remedy for your weeks of misery with the bronchitis! Hope you're up to par now.

    XO,
    Jane

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  9. Well apart from the snow (!) it looks like an absolutely glorious visit and beautiful country. It's a spot I'd love to visit and all the more for seeing your photos.

    I'm so sorry you were sick and glad you are on the mend. Bronchitis is so frustrating -- been there, done that. You have my empathy! But you're back! That's the best!

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  10. Your trio to York must have been wonderful, a place that I long to return to. My friend and I day dream about returning to England . We plan on staying in Yorkshie a cople of weeks, bit life keeps getting in our way. Looks like you have had an awful lot snow. We are all ready for spring. Glad that you are feeling better.

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  11. Sorry for all of the typos. The iPad is not the best to type on.

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  12. Oh Maggie- I'm sorry you've been sick-- it's always the worst in winter. I hope you are on the mend now-- spring days will make you better!!

    Your photos are breathtaking/ truly like stepping into a Victorian novel-- what a beautiful place to visit. Your little cottage looks so quaint- the whole village looks like a storybook scene-- you must have loved every minute!

    I hope you've come home to the start of a lovely spring/-

    Sending hugs-
    Vicki

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  13. Glad you are on the mend Maggie - hopefully a big dose of Spring will have you well soon.

    Loved the cottage - and can imagine the gorgeous views - no lack of them in England as we know only too well!

    Hugs - Mary

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Thanks for stopping by, your visit just made my day!